Video of Jacob with trainer at dog park: https://youtu.be/4hDz7v4McKs
Hi - I’m Jacob. I really need a loving home with a yard and someone who can take me on long walks or to the dog park (with supervision from a trainer - I’m still learning) for the afternoon. I am fully of energy and LOVE to play fetch (especially with my favorite squeaky ball). If you can foster me or adopt me please reach out - I’m currently staying in an apartment and it’s really cramped with no yard :(. Im pretty big.
I was found on the streets in contra costa. I’m not sure what happened to my first family…but I am 1 years old (so I probably had one). I spent 24 days at the shelter…but was diagnosed with kennel stress (probably because I started chasing and biting my tail). Someone pulled me from the shelter just in time. I was neutered on Christmas Eve. And I have been in foster homes ever since. Initially I just wanted to play tug a war with my leash…but then my foster mom took me to dog training classes. In less than 2 days - I learned how to walk with a leash, heel, and sit (but if leash gets near my mouth - I may forget)! They tell me I’m really smart. I went to a dog park and got to run off leash, heel with a whistle, and started to make friends (I’m still a little shy and don’t always know how to approach other dogs). When I’m not at a dog park (under guidance of a trainer) - I am sometimes reactive to people and animals I don’t know (I’m still decompressing from the shelter) - but have now learned to sit and heel and not bark (as long as my human guides me and helps me not to get too excited). And I’m now attending a 5 week board and train program - it’s like a full school just for dogs!
I’ve been told my 3 vices are I am still very young and sometimes mouth way too hard when excited and playing. No ever taught me how to play - so I would be best with a family of adults vs young kids who can teach me better habits. The trainer and my foster mom are already helping me to learn! Also…when I get nervous I still chase my tail…and I need help to divert my attention to something else…like my favorite ball or a chew toy. I am still nervous around strangers and may overreact if not properly and slowly introduced.
I’m gonna need some extra care, attention, and guidance…but I actually really love other people and dogs (as long as I am in a comfortable place to meet them). I’ve never been around cats so might not like them. Would need to meet one first.
When we meet…I might try to jump on you and hug. I do that when I get super excited. In the evenings when I’m finally sleepy I like to cuddle and rest my head on your lap or shoulder.
Help me find a loving forever home or loving foster home with a yard.
-Love, Jacob
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Mixed breed
Birthdate, estimate is okay:
11/27/2023
Where did you get your pet?:
Contra Costa shelter - volunteered to foster for 2 wks. Rescue turned out not to be a real organization. They don’t have anything lined up long term. I’m running out of time to find him a home - apt only granted 2 week exception (breaking size restrictions)
Adoption Day, when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.:
12/21/24
Size (at full grown):
Large
Weight (in pounds) at full-grown size.:
73
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Playing fetch with squeaky ball
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Currently attending 5 week board and train program. Previously did 3 1/2 days of training - learned sit, heel, wait, easy, break
Has your dog ever exhibited any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, could you please share some details about the situation?:
He can be nervous and reactive to strangers. Particularly in new environments or tight spaces. They were petting him - I strongly suspect they accidentally touched a cut on his back (dog at daycare bit him the day prior) and it scared him - but he may have just become overwhelmed. However, due to this incident he was immediately enrolled into a $6,000 5 week board and train course to help him calm down, become less reactive, and more confident in his own skin. The trainers specialize in this behavior and have been running their program for the last 60 years. It’s located on a farm with lots of room to run play and train. He will be socializing with dogs and people during his stay.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Seems ok - generally relaxes and naps.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Diagnosed with kennel stress during his 24 days at the shelter
Is there a particular routine that works best for your dog in terms of feeding, walking, and sleep?:
Currently feed a few times throughout the day.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
N/A
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
N/A - short hair
Does your dog have any dental care routines (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)? :
N/A
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Likes to cuddly when sleepy. Very smart and trainable!
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Needs to be in a home with adults/teens. No young kids - he is a big strong playful puppy that is still learning.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Just need 1 person to take a chance on him, he has the potentially to be such a great dog. He’s a sweetheart, he just needs space to play and a person/family to love and work with him.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Housing is Inadequate for Pet
Rehoming reason details (if necessary):
I responded to a Nextdoor post about pets who were about to be euthanized - in need of fosters. Called and said I had 2 weeks I could give to buy them time to find someone. They ended up asking me to take a different dog than the one I responded to - but I figured it’s only two weeks. It’s now become apparent they don’t have a plan for future weeks and expect me to hold him indefinitely. I’m breaking size restrictions at my apartment (only had a 2 week exception to foster him). The dog is a 1 year old Great Dane mix who needs a yard (his name is Jacob). He was highly stressed at the shelter and is full of energy. I immediately put him through training classes - because I’m in a one bedroom apartment with no yard and he wasn’t leash trained - so he had no way to go outside and safely pee. He needs a yard and space! Big dog experience is a plus. He is actually very sweet and smart but he is going crazy trapped in this 1-bedroom apartment. Needs somewhere he can let out all his energy. Must find someone before mid February when he returns from board and train program - or I will be forced to return him to the shelter (where he is at high risk of being euthanized).
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
One month
Who is your veterinarian?:
Banfield Vet
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Dry food - easy to feed.
Do you have pet insurance for your pet? :
No
Would you consider a long distance adoption?:
City, State:
Walnut Creek, CA
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Standard Service: Full Support and Promotion
